Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) are members of the health workforce who work under the delegation and supervision of allied health professionals to support the delivery of health services.
AHAs play an important role in helping health services deliver safe, efficient and accessible care across hospitals, community health services, rehabilitation settings, disability services and private practice.
Allied Health Assistants support allied health professionals by assisting with a range of delegated activities, which may include:
The specific tasks performed by AHAs depend on the service setting, the needs of patients, and the delegation provided by supervising allied health professionals.
Allied Health Assistants work under the delegation and supervision of qualified allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, social workers and others.
Supervision arrangements vary depending on the task, the experience of the assistant and the clinical setting. Delegation must always ensure that patient care remains safe and appropriate.
Allied Health Assistants play an increasingly important role in modern health systems. By supporting allied health professionals, AHAs help:
The Allied Health Assistants National Association (AHANA) is Australia's national professional body representing Allied Health Assistants.
AHANA supports the AHA workforce through professional development, guidance on professional practice and advocacy for the role of Allied Health Assistants in the health system.
Learn more about joining AHANA
The AHANA Board carefully considered the question of "what is an Allied Health Assistant?" in establishing Membership By-law 2022-01 Membership classes, membership application procedures and recognition of non-member credentials (accessible from the Policy Library).
The definition in the following recording, and in the text below the video, is contained in Schedule 1 of the Membership By-law.
An Allied Health Assistant is a healthcare worker who has demonstrated competencies to provide person-centred, evidence-informed therapy and support to individuals and groups, to help protect, restore and maintain optimal function, and promote independence and well-being.
An Allied Health Assistant works:
The level of supervision may be direct, indirect or remote and is dependent on the Allied Health Assistant’s demonstrated competencies, capabilities and experience.